Think about all the movies you've seen that feature a pet as a central character or in a supporting role.
Many films use pets to add another layer of emotional depth to their storylines.
The stories of these on-screen pets resonate with us, as most of us have experienced the great benefits of owning a pet.
Movies of all types and genres employ pets in their storylines.
Cats and dogs are the most popular movie pets, but many other types of pets make an appearance, such as a pet snake in "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events.
" Many films have used pets as central characters, giving them their own personalities and making them vital to the plot.
Here are a few movies that have used pets in this way.
One movie that stars pets in its central roles is 101 Dalmatians.
In this classic Disney movie, the talking Dalmatians from the film's title are on an adventure to save their family from Cruella Deville.
The "Dr.
Dolittle" trilogy, released fairly recently, also stars pets in some important roles.
In these movies, Eddie Murphy plays a scientist who can hear animals talk.
The animals look up to him for help, but the doctor isn't always thrilled with their questions.
Pets often play the role of a companion to the protagonist in a movie.
Milo in "The Mask" is a good example of this kind of role.
He plays Jim Carrey's companion and friend, and even helps defeat the antagonists of the movie.
Pets have played companionship roles in films for quite some time now.
The 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz" features Toto, a dog who aids the protagonist Dorothy in her adventures in trying to make it back to Kansas.
The recent film "Garfield" used computer-generated graphics to create an animated version of the popular comic strip cat.
These film effects are pushing the boundaries of film every year, and you can bet that computer-generated pets will be receiving attention.
It's fun to watch these movie pets as we hear the celebrity voice actors who bring them to life and give them personality.